I recently just bought my first 3rd gen. A 1982 trans am. I got it home and noticed it was running a little hot (around 210). So I replaced the thermostat. It seemed to fix the problem until last night. I noticed the car was smoking and checked it out. To my suprise the fan/belts were blowing coolant all around the engine. Upon further examination there seems to be a leak around the water pump and it's dripping down the lower radiator hose. I can't determine exactly where it's coming from
This only happens after the engine has been warmed up. Fom some research I think it might be the weep hole in the water pump. Am I right in thinking this? Do I need a new water pump? It is a pretty decent amount dripping on the ground.

One more question the engine in the car is a 350. Can I purchase a oem water pump meant for a 305 and use it fine?

 

most definitely the weep hole which is showing you that the water pump is bad and needs replacement.

 

Okay thanks! I just wanted to make sure before I pull it off and replace it.

 

Yup, what he said...

And yes, the stock WP for the car should work perfect on a 350. WPs don't much care about bore dia.

 

"New" (or for that matter, "replaced within living memory") != "good" or even "non-leaking"

Discard any pre-conceptions. Follow the data wherever it leads. Shoulda put that into the 1st post but I'm an idiot.